ch
5.
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On visa issuing, we are all agreed that it is most unlikely that the office would be able to carry out this
function before 1997; the post 1997 position is less clear and I share your view that it would be best to address this issue nearer the time.
FORM AND TIMING
6.
We agree that option (d) in your paragraph 7 is by far the most appropriate. Under Article 22 of the Basic Law, the Chinese accept that a SARG office will exist after 1997. It would seem reasonable to want to give the office an 18 month to 2 year run up to 1997 during which functions could be transferred to it from other British organisations. This will be in the interest of continuity and a smooth transition. could indeed present discussions to them as part of implementation of the Basic Law.
NEXT STEPS
We
7. We agree (our telno 1492 of 8 August) that an early marker should be put down with the Chinese, but avoiding the
impression that the proposed arrangement would be regarded as a direct swap.
As already confirmed, the line set out in your telegram no 2505 of 13 August looks fine to us.
CC:
Yours Sincerely Alan Paul
A R Paul
Hong Kong Department
D Coates Esq, British Embassy, Peking
A Galsworthy Esq CMG, UKRep JLG Hong Kong
P Heap Esq CMG, SBTC Hong Kong
Mr McLaren
Mr Burns
Mr Walker, RAD
Mr Fifoot, Legal Advisers
Mr Davies, FED
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